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The EMG 81 is a high output pickup designed especially for the lead guitarist. The 81 is at its best for high volume overdrive and amps with a master volume. Whether you're playing power rock and roll, or overdriving your amp, there's a razor sharp attack, and incredible sustain for brilliant soloing. If you're looking for exceptional qualities in a rock pickup, the EMG 81 is the one.
EMG 81 Includes:
EMG's exclusive Quik-Connect cable
Pre-wired split shaft volume/tone control set
Output jack
Battery clip set
Screws & springs
EMG 81 Features
It was actually developed in 1979 along with the EMG 58. Like most EMG's, it wasn't heavily advertised until 1981. The EMG 81 has the familiar U-shaped humbucking structure but replaces the pole pieces with steel bars and a smaller ceramic magnet. The EMG 81 is at its best for high volume overdrive. It has become the choice for metal and extreme players alike, Kirk Hammett from Metallica and Kerry King of Slayer to name only two.
Distortion during lead passages is consistent, sustain is long and the breakup fades smoothly. The ceramic magnet in combination with wide aperture steel poles lend a quick attack but the tone stays nice and fat at the same time. Perfect if you're the only guitarist in the band, and need to switch from rhythm to lead and still keep the band moving. Another great thing about the EMG 81 is it's quiet. If you're playing at really high gain the last thing you need is noise.
If you're looking for exceptional qualities in a high output pickup, the EMG 81 is the one. Two 81's are featured in Kirk Hammett's Signature ESP Guitar, the KH-4.
It's still the classic 81 that appeared on so many albums. Takes a little more finesse than many newer HB PUs but provides that tone that others just don't quite replicate.
Published date
11/03/25
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Scottie p. 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
Classic pickup for Metal. . . . . . what else
Classic pickup for Metal. . . . . . what else can I say
S. Petty
Published date
09/13/25
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Thomas W. 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
Everything went great
Everything went great
Published date
07/07/25
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Beau T. 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
Super easy to install and always sounds great!
I had ordered a new LTD Hexed guitar and while it came with an EMG, it was a passive H2 which I am not really fond of without a preamp booster to go with it. So I looked at a bunch of pickups and realized I enjoyed the 81 most of the time. So I ordered this kit knowing it was solderless and I was ab...
Published date
01/02/25
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Adam 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
Simple installation
Solderless install classically some of the best pickup you can choose
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